Principles of Design

Question 1

** Emphasis

Answer 1

Also known as… Center of Interest and Focal Point (they are interchangeable). This is the first thing you normally see in an artwork. It can be the largest, the smallest, the dullest, the most colorful. It is whatever the artist make intentionally “important”.

Question 2

Rule of Thirds

Answer 2

Imagine a “tic-tac-toe board” placed on your artwork… divide your artwork into thirds vertically and horizontally. The main object should not be dead center. It can be in any other box or crossing any other intersection but the entire “main idea” should not be in the center.

Question 3

** Balance

Answer 3

Symmetric Balance - Both sides are even with little to no differences.
Asymmetric Balance - Achieved through unequal distribution but visually looks even. Both sides have roughly the same “weight” but there are different objects in the artwork.

Question 4

** Repetition

Answer 4

Repeating items or creating patterns to cause a visual rhythm.
(Pattern - created by repeating the same element to add to the overall design.)
(Rhythm - repeating similar elements throughout the artwork for smooth visual transitions.)

Question 5

** Unity

Answer 5

The harmony of all the elements using the proper variety and proportion of elements.
(Variety - Differences in the elements that give interest to the artwork.)
(Proportion - relative size and scale of the various elements)